Cost-Effective Home Upgrades
As a homeowner, making repairs and upgrades to your home is a necessary part of keeping every room well-maintained. In the current market, many buyers are looking for a move-in ready home that features an open floor plan, upgraded kitchen and lush landscaping. In preparation to sell, or maybe to make some much needed upgrades, it's important to consider which home upgrades are the most cost-effective for both your family and your home's value. Everything from the style to the color of your upgrade decisions could ultimately play into increasing both the value and the ability to sell your home when the time comes to move. As you plan for new home additions, consider some of these popular home features that buyers are looking for in a home.
The Most Popular Home Features
1. Quartz Countertops – For many years, homeowners were investing in marble and granite countertops for their kitchen renovation projects. But today, homeowners are using a more durable material. Quartz countertops are now more popular than ever. If you’ve held out on renovating now’s the time to invest in a popular material that will last. Consider upgrading both your kitchen and bathroom counters for a cohesive look.
2. Soaking Tubs – First it was the stand-alone tub, and now it’s the soaking tub. Either way, any stand-alone tub will be seen as a bonus feature of a master bathroom. But, most homeowners today are looking for modern, luxurious bathrooms. Soaking tubs are a larger alternative to the stand-alone and provide extra room to relax creating a more luxurious bathroom space, which is why soaking tubs are making their way into the home as a modern twist to an upgraded bathroom.
3. Hardwood Floors – Wall-to-wall carpeting is a no-go for current home-buyers. Low-maintenance and sleek flooring is near the top of a lot of buyers’ lists. It's easier to clean, last longer and are more family friendly than carpeting. If you’re thinking about adding new floors to your home, consider adding it the main areas of the home like the living and dining room while leaving the bedrooms carpeted. This will create a modern look without breaking the bank. Additionally, if you're trying to create a durable family friendly home you may also consider look-alike alternatives to wood flooring like laminate or tile that can withstand spills and scratches.
4. White Cabinetry – Before you re-stain or refurbish your kitchen cabinetry, consider painting instead. Today’s home-buyers are looking for sleek, modern looking kitchens and bathrooms. Gone are the days of dark, rich wood cabinets. Instead, homeowners are opting for the installation of white cabinetry. Perfect for any kitchen or bathroom, especially ones lacking sunlight, this modern design can brighten up even the darkest room.
5. Subway Tile – For the last few years, basket weave tile has been slowly fading into the background and subway tile has emerged as the latest trend in backsplashes. Not only is it a classic, clean look but it’s also extremely versatile. You can’t go wrong adding this tile to your bathrooms and as a backsplash when renovating as it’ll make your home easier to sell when the time comes to move.
6. Bay Windows – Bay windows are currently more popular than floor-to-ceiling windows in some parts of the country. A rare find in newly constructed homes, this classic architectural addition is making a comeback on buyers’ want lists. If you’re lucky enough to have one in your home, make sure it’s in tip-top condition before you sell and take advantage of the competitive edge this feature offers. If not, consider investing in energy efficient windows that match your existing exterior style.
7. Gas Stoves – In comparison to electric stoves, gas stoves are the top pick among home-buyers. Not only are they more cost-effective than electric stoves, but they’re also easier to cook with as they provide easily controllable heating levels. Adding a gas stove to your upgraded kitchen can offer a larger return on your kitchen remodel. With upgraded kitchens being one of the higher sales points for a home-buyer, the right style of kitchen appliances counts in making a good impression.
Buying and Selling in South Orange County
If you're looking to buy or sell in South Orange County, I can help you move. As an Award-Winning Realtor in South Orange County California, with more than 30 years of living and working experience in Laguna Niguel I have a feel for real estate market on both the buying and selling side. Recently named #10 of the top 50 Coldwell Banker agents in September 2017 within all of Orange County, I'm honored to have the opportunity to work with individuals and families alike who are looking to invest in South Orange County. The local Orange County market is still very active and is predicted to pick-up in Spring making it a good time for both buyers and sellers throughout the area to invest in property. Call me at 949-500-9714 to learn more and get started.